Imran calls for tax boycott

NASIR JAFFRY

Imran Khan in Islamabad on Sunday. (AFP)

Islamabad, Aug. 17: Imran Khan has declared a “civil disobedience movement” against the Nawaz Sharif government in Pakistan.

The former cricketer, who heads the Tehreek-e-Insaf party, made the announcement today at an anti-government rally in Islamabad. The crowd ran into thousands, well short of the million Khan had promised would descend on the capital.

“There is no way to get rid of Sharif’s corrupt government. It is time that we launch a civil disobedience movement against the government and stop paying utility bills and taxes,” Khan said. “I have no option but to launch the campaign from today.”

Populist cleric Tahir ul-Qadri — leading a separate demonstration in the capital — demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation and arrest.

The cleric, who usually lives in Canada and arrived in Pakistan in June, wants Sharif arrested for the alleged murder of his Pakistan Awami Tehreek workers in a clash with police on June 17 in Lahore.

Imran and Qadri had arrived in Islamabad early on Saturday leading their separate marches. Both claim the 2013 elections that brought Nawaz Sharif to power were rigged.